Life in the clouds

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Ironically, microorganisms often travel from the clouds to the surface of the earth and vice versa; it really shows their endurance and exceptional ability to adapt, because they have to survive in very low temperatures, intense ultraviolet radiation, and also caustic and acidic waters. Until recently, it was believed that the life of microorganisms in the clouds exists, but a great value that has never been tied; only because a recent study by French scientists who took a sample of water from the cloud found the following fact: bacteria not only live in these clusters of water droplets, but also have a significant influence on their formation and composition. Clouds, as is known, consist of drops of water, which are formed due to the presence of so-called condensation nuclei. Usually these are particles containing compounds of elements such as nitrogen, calcium, magnesium, chlorine, some combustion products. However, these same condensation nuclei can be bacteria! According to previous studies, they can participate in such a process, despite the cold and ultraviolet radiation, but previously never took into account the presence of clouds of hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radicals - those enzymes that are toxic to cells and can allow bacteria to develop. The question arose: what then can they live in the clouds? A group of researchers from France decided to put an experiment that could answer it. They produced samples of cloudy water on the top of the Puy-de-Dome volcano, and then filtered out half of the samples to destroy any signs of life in the water, and to create a basis for comparison. Some of the remaining water was exposed to UV radiation, remaining isolated from the world. Chemical analyzes showed that the bacteria of the last two groups did not change, that is, the bacteria could survive even in such difficult conditions. The French hypothesized that these unicellular organisms are characterized by a kind of protective mechanism that helps them neutralize oxidants. The bacteria could survive even in such difficult conditions. The French hypothesized that these unicellular organisms are characterized by a kind of protective mechanism that helps them neutralize oxidants. The bacteria could survive even in such difficult conditions. The French hypothesized that these unicellular organisms are characterized by a kind of protective mechanism that helps them neutralize oxidants. The experiment not only showed that bacteria, the most common on Earth, organisms are able to adapt to any living conditions, but also proved that they can become condensation nuclei for clouds because of their ability to influence their chemical composition. These clouds will have stronger reflective properties and, therefore, are unlikely to become rain. 

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